On Sunday, Trump spoke to Saudi King Salman by phone, Washington’s partner in high crimes regionally, especially in Syria and Yemen.

Saudi Arabia supports ISIS, al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups. Its regime wants Assad ousted, replaced by an extremist Wahhabi caliphate like the scourge of the kingdom.

A White House statement said King Salman “agreed to support safe zones in Syria” and Yemen. So did UAE crown prince Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayid Al Nuhayyan in a separate phone conversation with Trump.

He and King Salman also “agreed on the importance of rigorously enforcing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran,” a departure from his earlier position, wanting the nuclear deal rescinded.

On Monday, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem warned against establishing safe zones in his country without government approval. Otherwise they’ll be unsafe and violate Syrian sovereignty, he said.

Separately, al-Moallem urged Syrian refugees in neighboring countries to return home to areas where fighting subsided, promising needed aid will be provided.

Russia alone among foreign countries is providing it – nothing from America, nothing from Britain or other EU countries, nothing from Saudi Arabia and other regional rogue states responsible with Washington for endless regional war and suffering.

On Monday, Syria’s military said 1,142 terrorist fighters and 760 family members were evacuated from Barada Valley northwest of Damascus after agreeing to surrender.

They were bused to terrorist-held Idlib province areas, ending a six-week standoff, resulting in water cut off for Damascus residents.

Some pumping resumed. Work is underway to restore it entirely to areas affected.

At the same time, combating ISIS and al-Nusra continues, Syrian forces greatly aided by Russian airpower – including involvement of long-range Tu-22M3 bombers flying from Russia, able to deliver powerful payloads on terrorist targets.

Stephen Lendman was born in 1934 in Boston, MA. In 1956, he received a BA from Harvard University. Two years of US Army service followed, then an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1960. After working seven years as a marketing research analyst, he joined the Lendman Group family business in 1967. He remained there until retiring at year end 1999. Writing on major world and national issues began in summer 2005. In early 2007, radio hosting followed. Lendman now hosts the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network three times weekly. Distinguished guests are featured. Listen live or archived. Major world and national issues are discussed. Lendman is a 2008 Project Censored winner and 2011 Mexican Journalists Club international journalism award recipient.

About Stephen

Stephen Lendman was born in 1934 in Boston, MA. In 1956, he received a BA from Harvard University. Two years of US Army service followed, then an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1960. After working seven years as a marketing research analyst, he joined the Lendman Group family business in 1967.